Thinking about adding a pool to your North Fulton backyard? The right permit plan saves weeks of delays and costly rework. You want to break ground with confidence, pass inspections the first time, and enjoy your summer on schedule. This guide walks you through who issues pool permits, what to prepare, the step‑by‑step process, and common pitfalls to avoid in Fulton County’s northside cities. Let’s dive in.
Who issues pool permits in North Fulton
Most private residential pools are permitted and inspected by the city where your property is located. In North Fulton, that typically means Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta, or the City of Atlanta portion of Fulton County. Public or commercial pools are reviewed and permitted by the Fulton County Board of Health. You can confirm the public vs private role on the county’s page for pool inspections and public pool permitting.
If your address is in a city, apply through the city’s permitting portal. As a reference point, see the Sandy Springs pool permits page for a typical checklist and inspection flow.
What to prepare before you apply
Site plan and survey
You will need a scaled site plan or recent boundary survey that shows property lines, the house, the proposed pool and decking, equipment pad, fence line and gate locations, distances to all property lines, easements, and any septic or well features. Many cities require specific scales or seals. Johns Creek’s site plan requirements outline what reviewers expect and are a helpful model across the area.
Pool drawings and engineering
Submit pool shape and depth, structural details, coping and decking sections, equipment layout, and any retaining walls. Complex sites or tall retaining walls may need engineering. North Fulton cities enforce statewide‑adopted model codes such as the IRC and ISPSC. You can confirm local adoptions on Johns Creek’s building codes page.
Barrier and fence plan
Provide a barrier plan that shows fence height, materials, gate swing direction, and self‑closing, self‑latching hardware. When a house wall forms part of the barrier, cities may require alarms or an approved safety cover. Sandy Springs’ pool permits guidance highlights that a compliant fence is required and is often inspected before you fill the pool.
Electrical, gas, and mechanical permits
Most cities issue separate permits for electrical bonding, lighting, GFCI‑protected receptacles, and any gas lines or heaters. Coordinate these trade permits with your pool application. See Sandy Springs’ pool permits guidance for a typical list of trade permits.
Water, sewer, and septic or well approvals
If you will connect to municipal water or use an automatic fill, expect a backflow prevention requirement from the water authority. If your property uses a septic system or private well, obtain clearance from Fulton County Environmental Health before the city issues your pool permit. Milton’s permit page outlines these cross‑checks and is a good reference: Milton pool permits.
Tree protection and stream buffers
Plan for tree protection if work is near specimen trees or critical root zones. Lots near streams or river corridors may trigger erosion control or land‑disturbance permits. Georgia’s guidance on buffers and erosion control provides useful context for planning near waterways. Review the state reference on stream buffers and erosion control as you prepare your site plan.
Contractor licensing and insurance
Cities often require your contractor’s business license, state license where applicable, and proof of liability insurance. Check your city’s applications and checklists for required affidavits and documents. As a sample, see Johns Creek’s applications and checklists.
Fees and inspections
Budget for plan review and permit fees, plus separate trade‑permit fees. Expect a barrier inspection before filling the pool and a final inspection at completion. The Sandy Springs pool permits page shows a typical inspection sequence used across North Fulton.
Step‑by‑step permitting timeline
1) Confirm your jurisdiction
Verify which city governs your address and find that portal first. Most residential projects in North Fulton are handled by the city, not the county.
2) Assemble your permit package
Combine your application, site plan or survey, pool drawings, barrier plan, contractor documents, trade permit requests, and any water, sewer, septic, or backflow approvals. Electronic submissions are common.
3) Plan review and revisions
City reviewers check zoning setbacks, easements, tree protection, stormwater, and safety requirements. Be ready to respond to comments and upload revisions.
4) Pre‑construction check
Some cities schedule a pre‑construction visit. Set erosion controls and confirm access routes to protect trees and neighboring property.
5) Inspections during construction
Typical inspections include structural or pool shell, plumbing and equipment, electrical, and barrier. Do not fill the pool until you pass the barrier inspection and final.
6) Final approval
After passing the final inspection, the city signs off and you are cleared to fill and use your pool.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Incomplete site plans. Missing dimensions to property lines, easements, or septic components is a top reason for rejection. Provide a scaled, clearly labeled plan.
- Overlooking stream buffers or land‑disturbance thresholds. Work near waterways can trigger added engineering and erosion control. Review Georgia’s stream buffer guidance early.
- Barrier missteps. Gates that do not swing away from the pool or latches set too low cause failed inspections. Include fence elevations and hardware notes in your submittal.
- Septic or well sign‑offs. If you have septic or a well, secure approvals before applying. Milton’s pool permits page shows how cities coordinate with Fulton County Environmental Health.
- Multi‑agency requirements. Some cities ask for county stamps when applicable. See Roswell’s permitting FAQ for an example of cross‑agency review.
Quick checklist to get started
- Confirm your city and find its pool permit portal.
- Hire a licensed, insured pool contractor and gather their documents.
- Order a current survey and prepare a code‑compliant site plan and pool drawings.
- Map your fence line and choose self‑closing, self‑latching gate hardware.
- Verify water, sewer, and any septic or well approvals you need.
- Plan for inspections and do not fill the pool before final sign‑off.
Ready to build your backyard oasis?
A great pool starts with a clear plan and a clean permit file. If you want help coordinating the right professionals and timing your project with a home sale or purchase, reach out to Liliana Mcgaughey for local guidance and a smoother path from design to splash day.
FAQs
Who issues private pool permits in North Fulton?
- Your city’s building department handles private residential pool permits; the Fulton County Board of Health permits public or commercial pools.
What drawings are required for a North Fulton pool permit?
- Expect a scaled site plan or survey, pool construction drawings, equipment layout, and a fence or barrier plan, plus trade permits for electrical and gas lines if applicable.
When can I fill my new pool in North Fulton?
- After passing required inspections, including the barrier inspection and final approval; many cities require the barrier inspection before you can fill the pool.
What if my property has a septic system or well in Fulton County?
- Obtain Fulton County Environmental Health clearance before the city issues your pool permit; your city may also require proof of backflow protection for municipal water connections.
How long does pool permitting take in North Fulton?
- Timelines vary by city and project complexity; allow time for initial plan review, response to comments, and multiple inspections during construction.
